The Ultimate Fall/Transitional Mom Capsule Wardrobe

Every single day, I get a question that sounds a little something like: "I'm on a budget, where can I snag new jeans that will last?", "can I call it athliesure if I'm just wearing my pajamas?", "what should I wear to the bus stop that won't embarrass my kid?", "are high waisted jeans good or bad on a muffin top?", "how is a mom is supposed to get her teeth brushed, let alone get dressed?" and so on. I hear you. In fact that teeth brushing question was actually mine, so clearly we're all on the same page.

I sat down to write a hand full of different posts to address the basics but in doing so, something occurred to me: I think all of us mamas are just looking for a foundation of solid basics that are well-made, hold us in, make us feel human and are machine washable. Looking pulled together or, hell, even calling the clothes you slap on in a day an "outfit" is just a bonus. What can I say, it's hard out there for a mom.

But hang on girls, because I'm about to rock your worlds. With a wardrobe of just 15 pieces, I managed to put together 50 looks - and I honestly just scratched the surface. That's well over a month of outfits with just 15 items of clothing to wash and wear. I'm calling this a Transitional/Fall Capsule because here in the South, it will be warm until the holidays, but for those of you in rougher climates, this should get you through until it's time for puffers and thermals. Ok, ready to get dressed? Get excited, we can do this, I believe in us!

In case you're wondering, I'm 5'9", busty at a delicate DDD, 8 in bottoms and a Large in tops (see: busty)

And, without further adieu, here's a look at the pieces I chose:

Tops

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Oh, finding the perfect white tee shirt almost brought me to my knees, but I think I finally found it! This little baby is a non-sheer, v neck tee with a curved hem. It's got some stretch and bounce to it, which I prefer as it skims over my tummy. It also comes in a ton of colors and long sleeves, I'll be stocking up for sure.

I find the peasant top to be a must in my closet. I pair them with denim shorts in the summer, all of my denim and love how put together they make me feel. This particular top is a win because it's lined from the yoke of the neckline down in the front and completely lined in the back so there's no need for a tank.

I tossed this top into the round up for a few reasons - it's a classic cut that isn't too low or revealing, is minimizing to the bust, the material is incredibly soft and the peplum hem is a fun detail that elevates it over a tee. I couldn't resist pairing it with heels for a date night look - it's really a top that will go anywhere!

Ok friends, hear me out on this one. I know it's white and a the shape is a little unorthodox but I can tell you that this pop over is the best top I've purchased in a long, long time. I wore it out of the store and immediately texted my best friend to buy it. The neckline is a v-neck and the back actually buttons down, which is perfect for us busty girls who struggle with a traditional button down blouse. The cut flows out from your tummy and the arms are wide, making it very comfortable with an approachable chic. I feel pulled together and classic when I pair it with dark denim and like I could go anywhere in it.

This sweater vest also comes in cream and navy and I had a tough time choosing what color I wanted! The neckline can be gathered a handful of ways, and the material itself is actually fairly heavy so it will wear well into the Winter. For us Southerners, this is the perfect fall layering piece to take our warmer clothes into the holidays.

Wearing Large, fits TTS, is very generous in length, focus on arms for sizing

Holy crap, go buy this thing. It is so amazingly soft, I just want to lay down in it. For me, this is the perfect athliesure piece when paired with leggings and a tee or tank. It can be tied and worn a million different ways and has snaps at the end of the long pieces so that you can secure it around your neck without it falling off. It comes in other solid colors but I'm partial liked the soft grey and white stripe.

I've owned this utility vest for years and can't tell you how many times I've worn it. It goes with everything from dresses to jeans to leggings and has pockets deep enough to hold my baby's snack keeper, so you know, it's a win.

Another closet staple of mine, this field jacket is a steal and something I wear constantly. If camo isn't your jam, there are a ton of colors and patterns and I kinda want them all. The material also machine washes really well, I've probably washed mine dozens of times and it's still holding strong.

This is a new brand of denim for me (thanks to Mallory of Style Your Senses for showing me the light), but this pair of dark wash, high raise, straight leg skinny jeans might just be the most flattering pair I've ever owned. They have some stretch, come above my belly button and have faux pockets to reduce bulk. I'm tall and the length is perfect. I feel like they're my power pant and I may never take them off.

I'm digging the light wash, button front high rise denim this fall but I really didn't want to invest in what I think is probably a passing trend. I found this amazing pair and love the look - I think they're a perfect dupe for the current Madewell version! The rise comes over the belly button and holds it all in, baby.

You can read all about my fave leggings here but this is the "high" price point pair and my truest love. When you snag these, make sure the pair you buy shows the model's belly button completely covered by the leggings because that's the good stuff. These are soft, thick and never see thru, plus the positioning of the waist band is insanely flattering.

I've raved about this tank dress since the day I randomly snagged it off of the rack and I'll never not love it. It comes in a million colors, is thick enough to skim the lumpy parts, is just the right length, has straps thick enough for a regular bra and is just so easy to wear. I love it as a layering piece and with over the knee boots and a long sleeve, oversized sweater, it can go well into Fall.

This little tee shirt dress is a gorgeous shade of blue and perfect for throwing on and running out the door. I've worn it a ton and can't wait to layer it up over the next few months. The material is soft and thin, with a modest neckline and a great hem length. And yes, I did tuck it right into high wasited jeans to wear it another way!

I just wanted to say I bought that green Anthro vest because of your post even though it was a bit pricey. Seeing so many ways to wear it made me have to get it. Thank you for taking the time to curate great content instead of just taking dressing room selfies like so many bloggers these days. I appreciate your humor and how you “keep it real”. Great job keep it up.